Lush Mulled Wine

Heating red wine brings out the bitter tannins, and it needs a sweetening balance. Why add just sweetness with sugar when you can add layers upon layers of flavor with both Vanilla and Black Pepper Rich Simple Syrups: the caramelly goodness of palm sugar, the mellow luxuriousness of vanilla, and the rich bite of black pepper. Park yourself in front of a fireplace with a good book and enjoy the sound of the blustery wind outside.

Ingredients:

1 bottle (750 ml) red wine

2 tablespoons Black Pepper Rich Simple Syrup

2 tablespoons Vanilla Rich Simple Syrup

2 cinnamon sticks

2 pieces star anise

1 orange – juice and peel

freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pot, bring to a boil, then lower the temperature and simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish with orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.